The parents of 15-year-old Sharon Maccanico say their “hearts are broken” after authorities confirmed she was among those killed in the Mount Maunganui landslide. The tragedy also claimed the life of her boyfriend, Max Furse-Kee, in what has been described as a devastating loss for their families, friends, and the wider school community.
Emergency services responded after the landslide occurred in the popular coastal area, with search and recovery efforts carried out amid difficult conditions. Officials later confirmed that the two Pakuranga College students had died as a result of the incident. Authorities have extended their condolences and are continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
In a statement shared publicly, Sharon’s parents spoke of their profound grief, describing the pain of losing their daughter as unimaginable. Tributes have also poured in for Max, with loved ones remembering him as a valued friend and student. Those who knew the pair have described them as inseparable, making the loss all the more heartbreaking for classmates and teachers.
Pakuranga College has offered counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy. In a message to the school community, representatives acknowledged the deep shock and sadness felt across the campus and asked for privacy and compassion for the families involved.
Mount Maunganui is a well-known destination for visitors, and local authorities regularly monitor safety conditions in the area. Investigations are expected to examine the factors that led to the landslide and whether additional precautions may be required in the future.
As tributes continue to be laid and messages of sympathy shared, the focus remains on honoring the lives of two young people whose futures were cut short. Community leaders have urged people to support one another during what they describe as an extraordinarily difficult time.